Academy Sports + Outdoors

Updated May 2025 review: Because this store typically has what I am looking for, I have been shopping here. This most recent visit is probably why I won't return, however. The employees care even less than ever, and in fact, my shopping experience, as well as the experiences of other customers, was about as poor as anything I've ever seen. One person asked for help finding a shoe in her size after looking and looking, even using her phone to see that it showed inventory available, but somehow it was not where it should have been. When asking an employee for help, the employee just said, "Well, it should be on aisle such n such. Go look for it." He meanwhile went back to just standing around. The customer never found the shoe and left with a sad face. Another person wanted help getting an item off the shelf. Two employees were gabbing about who didn't show up for work recently. Another one was leaning over the counter and staring into space. When the leaning person was asked directly, he mumbled a reply, and the customer was left to shrug and wonder if there would be any help coming. Then there's me. I wanted an athletic shoe with arch support. Instead of being helped by employees, oh, nevermind. It was simply not a good experience. I'm sure the employees would enjoy their jobs, and their work hours would pass quickly if they were but encouraged to engage with customers, even if it means interrupting their on-thr-clock leisure time. The people working at Academy Sports are fine, clean-cut human beings. They just need guidance, inspiration, and incentive to go for it. I have hope for them, and indeed one day I will try again, but not anytime soon. I dont feel valued as a customer, let alone as a fellow living creature. I plan to breathe with my wallet elsewhere until these folks figure things out. Older review: This store is well stocked, clean, and has a lot to offer for everyday family sporting goods needs. I noticed they have Crocs shoes, including some of the seasonal fun designs, which I was surprised to see in stock. Prices the same as online, too. Brands like Yeti, Stanley, Carhartt, Nike, etc. are all available. It's good to have choices. Only 4 stars because the employees here aren't especially welcoming or helpful lately, but maybe they are just tired. Anyway, there's a huge parking lot, so if you're towing something or driving a big ole truck or whatever, you'll find it easy to park and pop in to buy stuff.

So, my 10 year old kid asked if we could try fishing, and am eager for him to try anything that doesn't involve minecraft or tablets. I did a bit of research of what gear to get, but then i said "lets ask the experts at a well known store" So off i went to Lewisville to Academy, next to 121. I got there at 11:45 AM, on a Thursday morning. There were some customers but not very busy at all. We wondered off through the 3 isles they have of fishing gear, and then i saw an attendant and asked if i could get some help with the fishing equipment. She said she would call someone, move into a glass cubicle, and got on a phone. We waited. And Waited. And waited. And waited. Then we walked. And waited. And waited some more. The fishing gear is next to the hunting gear. As soon as i walked the hunting gun counter, the older gentleman greeted me very cheerfully and asked if he could assist. We started chatting (while i was keeping an eye out of an attendant) and he was immensely knowledgeable about hunting, weapons and gear. A pleasure to talk to. By now it was 12:20 PM. I went back near the registers and the lady was still in the cubicle. I said to her in a very cordial tone "i guess the staff is out to lunch?" The lady gave me a glare, and said "I saw staff around the fishing isles. You should look for them there" (mind you, the fishing isles was literally next to her glass cubicle. I took a quick walk through the 3 isles before leaving the stores. No clerks in sight, of course. I am giving it 2 stars for the following reasons (instead of 0): One because the hunting guy is terrific. I will surely go back to check with him when i upgrade my gear. And another star because they have stock, if you know what you are looking for and where they stored it. So if you go there for other than hunting, bring your magic glasses to find helpful staff, because they seem to be there, you just can't see them, no matter how long you linger or how much you wish for them. And it is not their fault if you don't see them. Remember, its yours, for not staying perfectly still, and clicking your heals and wishing for them at jus the right time! The staff seems to be non-existent or basically non-caring part-timers looking for a quick and easy check. I will be heading to Cabela tomorrow. Wish me luck!